Symini Rai Moore, a 15-year-old honor student from Northwood, Ohio, was shot and pronounced dead inside an apartment on Jan. 23. Police arrested 18-year-old Jakob Heintzelman and charged him with reckless homicide; he told investigators the gun discharged while he was cleaning it. Moore was active in many school activities, worked at her family's restaurant and hoped to become an OB nurse. A GoFundMe for the family raised over $20,000 within two days, and the close-knit community has been left shaken by her death.
15-Year-Old Honor Student Fatally Shot in Northwood Apartment; 18-Year-Old Charged With Reckless Homicide
GoFundMe
Symini Rai Moore, a 15-year-old honor student from Woodmore High School, died after being shot inside an apartment in Northwood, Ohio, on Jan. 23. Authorities say she was found with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shooting, Arrest And Charges
Police arrested 18-year-old Jakob Heintzelman of Northwood in connection with the shooting and charged him with reckless homicide, local outlets reported. Lake Township Police Chief Mark Hummer said four people were in the apartment at the time — Moore, Heintzelman, Heintzelman's girlfriend and another male. Heintzelman told investigators he was cleaning his gun when it discharged.
GoFundMe
Court Status
Online jail records initially listed bond at $85,000. According to WBNS, a judge later set bond at $75,000 and ordered electronic monitoring as a condition if Heintzelman is released. Heintzelman was arraigned on Monday.
Family, School And Community
Moore was an honor-roll student who participated in cheerleading, basketball, track, volleyball, wrestling, Future Farmers of America and choir. She worked at her family-owned restaurant, Granny's Kitchen, in Woodville and reportedly hoped to become an OB nurse. Family members and community leaders described her as kind, well-mannered and protective of her younger brother.
Wood County Sheriff's Office
'If you ever met Symini Rai Moore, you remember her smile. It was the kind that lit up a room instantly—the kind that made people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for without her ever having to say a word,' reads the GoFundMe set up to assist the family with funeral and memorial expenses.
As of Jan. 26, the GoFundMe had raised more than $20,000 in two days. Moore is survived by her mother, Brittany Taylor; sisters Red 'Lorealee' and Charlotte; brothers Vincent and Emmanuel; and extended family. Her father, Jay Moore, preceded her in death.
Community Reaction
The shooting has shaken Woodville, a small Sandusky County community where Moore attended school and her family operates their restaurant. Former preschool teacher Christy Donnell told The Toledo Blade the town is stunned and recalled Moore as gentle and caring toward others.
Note: Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting. Charges are allegations, and all parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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